Spirituality
Sacred texts and ‘little bells’: The building blocks of Arvo Pärt’s musical masterpieces
Sacred texts and ‘little bells’: The building blocks of Arvo Pärt’s musical masterpieces Arvo Pärt, one of the most frequently performed contemporary classical composers, turns 90 on September 11, 2025, and his music has been featured in numerous film and television soundtracks, including “There Will Be Blood” and “Thin Red Line”. Pärt’s engagement with sacred […]
🎭 Entertainment
Astrology’s appeal in uncertain times
Astrology’s appeal in uncertain times Astrology’s appeal in uncertain times can be attributed to its ability to provide a sense of control and guidance in an uncertain world, particularly among younger generations and LGBTQ+ individuals. The study found that astrology is less about predicting the future and more about making sense of the self, with […]
📰 News
Why religious groups are pushing for psychedelics as sacrament
Why religious groups are pushing for psychedelics as sacrament Several religious groups are pushing for psychedelics to be legalized as sacraments, citing their potential to facilitate deeper spiritual connections and healing. Texas and Arizona have passed laws allocating funding for research on ibogaine, a powerful psychedelic used to treat opioid addiction and PTSD, with the […]
🏥 Health
From public confession to private penance: How Catholic confession has evolved over centuries
From public confession to private penance: How Catholic confession has evolved over centuries The Catholic sacrament of reconciliation, also known as penance or confession, has evolved over centuries from public confessions to private penances. The practice of confession involves a penitent confessing their sins to a priest or bishop, who then offers an act of […]
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Schools are looking for chaplains, but the understanding of who – and what – chaplains are varies widely
Schools are looking for chaplains, but the understanding of who – and what – chaplains are varies widely Chaplains are being considered for public schools across the US, but there’s a lack of understanding about who they are and what services they provide. A recent poll found that 58% of Americans support chaplains in public […]
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What a sunny van Gogh painting of ‘The Sower’ tells us about Pope Leo’s message of hope
What a sunny van Gogh painting of ‘The Sower’ tells us about Pope Leo’s message of hope Pope Leo XIV referred to Vincent van Gogh’s painting “Sower at Sunset” as a symbol of hope during his first general audience in Rome, highlighting its connection to Christ’s Parable of the Sower. The painting, created in 1888, […]
🏛️ Politics
What ‘The White Lotus’ gets wrong about the meaning and goals of common Buddhist practices
What ‘The White Lotus’ gets wrong about the meaning and goals of common Buddhist practices Thai men can be ordained from a few days to the rest of their lives. Pakin Songmor/Moment via Getty Images The new season of “The White Lotus” is set on a luxury resort on the Thai island of Koh Samui. […]
📰 Uncategorized
How Japanese anime draws on religious traditions to explore themes of destiny, sacrifice and the struggle between desire and duty
How Japanese anime draws on religious traditions to explore themes of destiny, sacrifice and the struggle between desire and duty Kyojuro Rengoku, also known as the Flame Hashira, is a central character in the 'Demon Slayer' series. Deviant Art, CC BY-ND I have spent years studying and teaching Japanese anime, exploring how its narratives intertwine […]
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